Patna: In a major step toward transforming Bihar’s road infrastructure and improving traffic flow, the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of 223 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) across the state. This ambitious project, a result of the Bihar government’s consistent efforts, aims to eliminate railway gate bottlenecks and significantly reduce travel time to the state capital, Patna, from any district to a maximum of three and a half hours.
A Game-Changer for Statewide Connectivity
The announcement came after a high-level meeting held on Thursday between Mihir Kumar Singh, an IAS officer of 1993 batch and Additional Chief Secretary of the Road Construction Department, and senior officials of the Indian Railways, including Naveen Gulati, Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board, and Chhatrasal Singh, General Manager, East Central Railway.
During the meeting, the Railway Board confirmed its approval of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 12 initial ROBs/RUBs across various districts. These include:
- Saharsa: Gate 104B1 (Saharsa Junction–Baijnathpur)
- Chhapra: Gate 47spl (Chhapra Junction–Chhapra Kachhari)
- Sitamarhi: Gate 55C/3 (Sitamarhi–Dumra)
- Gaya: Gates 39/C/T (Paharpur–Gurpa) and 8/C (Paraiya–Guraru)
- Lakhisarai: Gates 24/A/E (Abhaypur–Masudan) and 27/B/T (Kajra–Abhaypur)
- Jamui: Gate 36 (Jhajha–Simultala)
- Munger: Gate 17/A/E (Jamalpur–Dashrathpur)
- Aurangabad: Gates 28/B and 23/C/T (Feshar–Baghoi Kusa and Jakhim–Baghoi Kusa)
- Muzaffarpur: Gate 123 (Motipur–Mehsi)
More ROBs in Pipeline as Statewide Survey Progresses
In addition to these, the DPRs for 48 more ROBs are ready and expected to receive approval by next month. The Road Construction Department is actively preparing DPRs for another 112 ROBs.
From March to May, the department led a focused campaign during which the Railways granted NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for all 223 railway crossings under the Road Construction Department. Furthermore, NOCs have also been issued for 236 out of 259 level crossings under other departments like the Rural Works Department.
Minister Nitin Naveen Thanks Centre, Promises Swift Execution
Expressing gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of Railways, Road Construction Minister Nitin Naveen hailed the move as a landmark achievement in Bihar’s infrastructure development.
“With the construction of these 223 ROBs, the ambitious goal of reaching Patna from any part of the state within three and a half hours will soon become a reality,” said the Minister.
“These ROBs will bring long-awaited relief to the public from traffic congestion at railway gates and ensure smoother and safer road travel across Bihar.”
He added that the Bihar government is providing full technical and administrative support to the Railways to ensure timely and high-quality completion of these projects.
